run up
B1 neutral separable transitive
In simple words
To build up a big debt or bill, to quickly make something by sewing, or to put a flag up a pole
Literal meaning: To run in an upward direction — the idea of numbers 'going up' is a natural metaphor
Meanings
1 B1
idiomatic
neutral
To accumulate a large debt, bill, or total of costs
"She ran up a huge credit card bill during the holiday season."
Grammar: separable
2 C1
idiomatic
informal
To make something (usually clothing) quickly by sewing
"She ran up a Halloween costume for her son the night before the party."
Grammar: separable
3 B2 neutral
To raise a flag on a pole
"They ran up the national flag to mark the beginning of the ceremony."
Grammar: separable
Usage notes
The debt sense is the most common in everyday life. 'Run up a tab' is very common at bars and restaurants. The sewing sense ('run up a dress') is common in British English among people who sew.
Commonly used with
debt bill tab flag dress costs
Forms
Base
run up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
runs up
he/she/it
Past simple
ran up
yesterday
Past participle
run up
have + pp
-ing form
running up
continuous
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